Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: recommended classics and staple tracks
If you’re currently in your 50s, songs from the ’80s and ’90s are probably packed with memories of your youth, aren’t they?
And there are likely many tracks from the 2000s that feel familiar and nostalgic as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended songs for women in their 50s, focusing on music from the ’80s through the 2000s.
We’ve carefully chosen only tracks that were popular at the time, so you’re sure to reunite with some old favorites.
We hope you’ll enjoy listening closely—and that this list will also come in handy when choosing songs for karaoke.
Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: recommended masterpieces and classics (1–10)
The hottest summer in the worldNEW!PRINCESS PRINCESS
PRINCESS PRINCESS opened the door for girls’ bands.
Many women in their 50s probably admired them.
Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is “The Hottest Summer in the World.” This track is notable for its extremely catchy vocal line.
While the range is relatively high at mid2A to hiD, it’s quite narrow.
Since there aren’t any difficult phrases in any section, if you can keep your pitch steady, it’s definitely possible to aim for a score in the 90s at karaoke.
The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE
Released in 1989, “Mirai Yosouzu II” is one of the most iconic masterpieces by DREAMS COME TRUE.
For women in their 50s who spent their youth in the late ’80s and ’90s, this song is likely filled with special memories.
Its lyrics, rich with deep affection, never fade with the passage of time.
Listening to it brings back nostalgic scenes from days past.
Beloved in karaoke to this day, its conversational melody continues to comfort many people and is still being sung now.
Aino Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN)NEW!MISIA
The 2018 collaboration between GReeeeN’s HIDE and MISIA, “Ai no Katachi feat.
HIDE (GReeeeN).” As a song that rivals “Aitakute Ima” and “Everything” in popularity, many women in their 50s are likely familiar with it.
This piece is arranged within a slightly narrower vocal range of mid1 A to mid2 F, making it easier to sing even for those who struggle with high notes.
However, the average pitch is mid1 G#, which is low for a women’s song, and the final big chorus features high phrases close to mixed voice.
Keep these two points in mind when singing.
Ballad of a SingerKazuyoshi Saito
Kazuyoshi Saito’s 1997 song “Utautai no Ballad” is a timeless classic loved across generations.
Its lyrics are filled with the joy of singing and pure love, and its melody remains a favorite among karaoke fans today.
Simple enough for anyone to hum yet profoundly moving, the words will surely evoke special memories for women in their 50s.
Why not listen as you reflect on the past—or grab a karaoke mic and shout an “I love you” from the bottom of your heart? As a page from their youth and a song to color the days ahead, it’s sure to give strength.
Let's Count Your Kisses ~You were mine~NEW!Yuki Koyanagi
This is the song Yuki Koyanagi debuted with in 1999, and I think it’s a ballad everyone admires.
Some of you might have listened to this track on repeat, right? Even if you think you’re tone-deaf, songs you’ve listened to a lot tend to stick in your memory, so when you actually sing them, you’ll often find you can surprisingly stay on pitch! So don’t be afraid to give it a try.
The A and B sections sit in a relatively calm range, but the pitch jumps up quickly from the chorus into the C section, so it feels great if you adjust the key to one that’s comfortable for you and sing the English parts too.
The accompaniment is solid, so you should still be able to sing it coolly even if you lower the key.
Overall, there’s no need to belt—sing with a light touch, keeping a head-voice feel in mind, and give it a try.
TRUE LOVEFumiya Fujii
When it comes to timeless songs that light a spark in the hearts of women in their 50s, Fumiya Fujii’s solo debut single “TRUE LOVE,” released on November 10, 1993, tops the list.
It was the theme song for Asunaro Hakusho, right? Its acoustic sound and heartfelt melody evoke scenes from that nostalgic drama.
For those in their 50s especially, it’s sure to bring back bittersweet memories of youth.
The lyrics convey deep love and gratitude toward someone who’s always there to support you.
The oft-repeated phrase “only you” symbolizes unwavering devotion and adds a wealth of romantic appeal that’s made the song a staple at many weddings.
From the lyrics, you can truly sense what “TRUE LOVE” is all about.
It’s also guaranteed to be a hit at karaoke!
FriendsREBECCA
A signature song by REBECCA, a band that epitomized the music scene of the 1980s.
The lyrics, said to be written by vocalist NOKKO based on her first love, vividly capture a snapshot of youthful longing—where sweet naivety and a mature mood coexist.
For many, the moment that dazzling synthesizer intro begins, memories of that era come rushing back.
Released in October 1985, the song also became familiar in households as the ending theme for the Nippon TV drama “Half Potato na Oretachi.” It’s lovely to listen to its slightly wistful melody and see your younger self reflected in it.